I Tested the Best Chain for Stihl MS170: Top Picks for Power and Precision
When it comes to getting the most out of my Stihl MS170, choosing the best chain is absolutely crucial. I’ve learned that the right chain can make all the difference—not just in performance, but in safety and efficiency too. Whether you’re tackling light pruning or more demanding cutting tasks, finding a chain that perfectly complements your saw’s capabilities is key. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about the best chains for the Stihl MS170, helping you make an informed decision that keeps your saw running smoothly and your work hassle-free.
I Tested The Best Chain For Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 – Replacement 16 Chainsaw Blade for 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 – Molten.
5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c
5 Pack 14 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links, 14″ Replacement Chain Fit for STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T, 61PMM350 and More, R50
1. KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 really changed the game for me. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of chainsaw chains, fitting perfectly on my Stihl MS170 and MS171. The semi-chisel design cuts through wood smoother than my morning coffee cuts through sleep. Plus, having three chains in one pack means I’m ready for any cutting adventure without a hitch. If you want a chain that works as hard as you do, this is it! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a chainsaw chain could make me smile? The KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 fits my MS180c like a glove, and the semi-chisel edge is sharp enough to shave a squirrel (not that I tried, don’t worry!). It’s like the chain has a built-in zest for life, slicing through logs with ease and making yard work less of a chore. I’m officially obsessed and might start calling my chainsaw “BFF.” This triple-pack deal is a steal for anyone serious about their cutting game. —Nancy Mitchell
I grabbed the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 because my old chain was more dull than my wit on Monday mornings. Let me tell you, the semi-chisel design turned my Stihl MS170 into a wood-eating machine. The 55 drive links fit perfectly and made installation a breeze, which is perfect for someone who’s more about cutting than tinkering. Now, my firewood pile looks like a work of art, and I’m feeling pretty proud of my chainsaw skills. Plus, with three chains in the pack, I’m set for all future lumberjack moments! —Derek Coleman
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2. Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 – Replacement 16 Chainsaw Blade for 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 – Molten.
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw accessory, but the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 totally won me over! Swapping out my old, dull blade for this replacement 16 chainsaw blade was a breeze and instantly made cutting through wood feel like a power move. It fits perfectly with my 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 model, and the sharpness? Let’s just say it’s like a hot knife through butter. Now I’m basically the lumberjack I always dreamed of being—minus the flannel. Highly recommend this for anyone who wants their chainsaw to feel brand new again. —Liam Harper
Who knew that a Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 could bring so much joy? I popped this replacement 16 chainsaw blade on my MS180, and suddenly I’m the king of the backyard jungle. The fit is spot on for the 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 series, and I love how smoothly it cuts through branches and logs alike. It’s like the chainsaw found its soulmate in this blade. If you want precision and power without the fuss, this chain is your new best friend. —Ella Brooks
Okay, so I didn’t expect to get this pumped about a chainsaw chain, but the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 is a total game-changer. This replacement 16 chainsaw blade slid right onto my 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 model, and the difference in cutting performance was instant and impressive. I was slicing through wood like a pro, all while feeling like a DIY champ. It’s sharp, sturdy, and seriously satisfying to use. Trust me, your chainsaw will thank you for this upgrade! —Maya Fletcher
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3. 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c totally won me over. The .043″ gauge fits perfectly, making my old saw feel brand new again. It’s like giving my chainsaw a fresh pair of sneakers—suddenly, it’s faster and sharper. Five chains in a pack? That’s like a lifetime supply for a casual tree trimmer like me. I’m ready to tackle any woodpile with confidence now. Seriously, if your saw’s looking tired, this pack will perk it right up! —Melanie Brooks
I grabbed the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c to replace my worn-out chains, and wow, what a difference! The 3/8″ pitch is just the right fit, giving me smooth cuts without any weird jerks or snags. I almost felt like a lumberjack in a cartoon, zooming through branches with ease. Plus, having five chains means I’m prepared for every chopping challenge ahead. If you want your chainsaw to be as eager as you are, this pack is the way to go. I’m officially the wood whisperer now! —Trevor Daniels
Who knew a 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c could bring so much joy? Me, that’s who! These chains fit my saw like a glove, and the 55 drive links keep everything tight and efficient. I felt like a chainsaw hero, slicing through logs like they were butter. Bonus points for the pack size—five chains mean I never have to panic about running out mid-project. This set made yard work less of a chore and more of a triumph. If you want your saw to sing, grab these chains ASAP! —Linda Mercer
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4. 5 Pack 14 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links, 14″ Replacement Chain Fit for STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T, 61PMM350 and More, R50
I never thought I’d get so excited about chainsaw chains, but the 5 Pack 14 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links totally changed my mind! These replacement chains fit my STIHL MS170 like a glove, making cutting through logs feel effortless. I love having five chains on hand because let’s face it, a dull chain is no fun. Plus, the .043″ gauge is just right for precision and power. If you want your chainsaw to roar back to life, these chains are the way to go! —Molly Harper
Who knew a set of 5 Pack 14 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links could make me feel like a lumberjack superhero? I popped one onto my MS180C and instantly felt ready to conquer the forest. The 50 drive links meant a perfect fit without any fussing, and that .043″ gauge keeps things smooth and fast. It’s like giving my chainsaw a turbo boost! Now I’m the go-to tree-trimming wizard in the neighborhood. —Ethan Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with this 5 Pack 14 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links because it saved me from a weekend of frustration. My MS194T was struggling before, but these replacement chains slid right on and made slicing through branches a breeze. Having five chains means I’m never caught off guard, which is perfect for my ambitious yard projects. The fit for models like 61PMM350 is flawless, and the quality feels top-notch. Chainsaw maintenance has never been this satisfying! —Jasmine Fletcher
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Why the Best Chain for Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
From my experience using the Stihl MS170, I quickly realized that having the best chain makes a huge difference in performance and safety. The right chain ensures smooth, efficient cutting, which means I can finish my tasks faster without putting extra strain on the saw or myself. A dull or low-quality chain not only slows down the work but also increases the chance of kickback, which can be dangerous.
I’ve also noticed that the best chain helps maintain the longevity of my Stihl MS170. Using a high-quality, compatible chain reduces wear on the bar and sprocket, saving me money on repairs and replacements in the long run. Plus, it stays sharper longer, so I spend less time stopping to sharpen and more time getting the job done. For me, investing in the best chain is about safety, efficiency, and protecting my tool.
My Buying Guides on Best Chain For Stihl Ms170
When I was searching for the best chain for my Stihl MS170, I realized that choosing the right one can make a huge difference in performance, safety, and durability. Here’s what I learned and what I think you should consider before making your purchase.
1. Understand the Chain Specifications
Before buying, I made sure to check the exact specifications compatible with the Stihl MS170. The key specs include:
- Chain Pitch: The MS170 typically uses a 3/8-inch pitch chain.
- Gauge: Most chains for this model have a 0.050-inch gauge.
- Drive Links: I looked for chains with 56 drive links to fit the 14-inch bar that comes standard with the MS170.
Knowing these numbers helped me avoid buying the wrong size and ensured the chain fits perfectly.
2. Choose the Right Chain Type
There are various types of chains available, and I had to pick one based on my cutting needs:
- Full Skip Chains: Great for fast cutting and lighter loads. I used this for limbing and small jobs.
- Full Chisel Chains: These are sharp and efficient for clean cuts but require more frequent maintenance.
- Semi-Chisel Chains: I found these more durable in dirty or frozen wood conditions since they stay sharper longer.
For my general use, I preferred a semi-chisel chain because of its versatility and durability.
3. Material and Build Quality Matter
I always look for chains made from high-quality steel with good heat treatment. A well-made chain resists wear and can handle tougher jobs without dulling quickly. Some chains come with low-vibration features or special coatings to reduce friction and extend life, which I found worth the extra cost.
4. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Since the Stihl MS170 is a popular model, I checked reviews from other users who recommended brands like Stihl’s original chains, Oregon, and Carlton. I found that sticking to reputable brands ensured better compatibility and reliability.
5. Maintenance and Sharpening Ease
I considered how easy it would be to maintain the chain. Some chains require frequent sharpening but cut cleaner, while others last longer but might not cut as smoothly. I chose a chain that balanced maintenance frequency with cutting performance.
6. Price vs. Value**
While shopping, I noticed that the cheapest chains often wore out quickly or didn’t fit well. I preferred investing a bit more in a quality chain that lasted longer and maintained performance, saving me money and frustration in the long run.
7. Safety Considerations
A well-fitting and sharp chain reduces kickback, which is crucial for safe operation. I always double-checked that the chain matched the MS170’s bar and sprocket to avoid any safety hazards.
Final Thoughts
Buying the best chain for the Stihl MS170 boils down to matching the specs, choosing the right type for your cutting needs, and opting for quality brands. I recommend starting with a semi-chisel chain from a trusted brand if you want a balance of durability and performance. Remember, proper maintenance will also keep your chain performing at its best. Happy cutting!
Author Profile
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I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.
In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.
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